
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the high-stakes world of digital reputation or struggling with a shifting family dynamic. At its heart, this story is for the kid who uses humor as a shield but finds that being the center of attention isn't always funny, especially when it happens online without their consent. The narrative explores how a viral moment can spiral out of control, affecting friendships and self-esteem during an already vulnerable time. Twelve-year-old Joey is dealing with his parents' divorce and a father who is moving away, leading him to try and maintain his 'funny guy' status at school. When a video of him goes viral for the wrong reasons, he must learn to distinguish between being laughed with and being laughed at. This chapter book is highly appropriate for the 9 to 12 age range, offering a realistic look at digital citizenship and the courage it takes to be vulnerable rather than just being a performer.
Themes of parental divorce and a father moving away.
The book deals with parental divorce and digital bullying. The approach is direct and secular. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, focusing on Joey's internal growth and his ability to set boundaries rather than a magical 'delete' button for the internet.
A 5th or 6th grader who feels pressure to perform for their peers or a child whose family is undergoing a separation and who might be 'acting out' or using humor to deflect from their sadness.
The book can be read cold, but parents should be ready to discuss the permanence of the internet and the difference between healthy joking and humiliation. A parent might see their child being teased online or notice their child becoming the 'class clown' to an unhealthy degree to avoid talking about feelings at home.
Younger readers (9-10) will focus on the slapstick and the school-life drama. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the nuance of Joey's internal conflict and the pain of his father leaving.
Unlike many books that focus on 'mean girl' cyberbullying, this focuses on a boy who accidentally facilitates his own digital embarrassment and must navigate the specific social pressures of male friendships.
Joey is a middle-schooler known for his humor, a trait he leans on heavily as his parents finalize their divorce and his father prepares to move to another state. When a video of an embarrassing physical mishap is uploaded to the internet and goes viral, Joey becomes the school's literal punch line. The story follows his attempt to reclaim his dignity, repair strained friendships, and process the grief of his changing family structure.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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